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Veracruz, Mexico: Life under military protection

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The historic center of Veracruz is part of the Gulf coast city's popularity with tourists, who had to think twice about visiting after drug-war violence hit here. Alfredo Sosa/Staff

Mounting violence – including the dumping of a van-load of 35 bodies near a shopping mall in broad daylight – prompted President Felipe Calderón to call in the Mexican Navy to control the streets.Alfredo Sosa/Staff

Pedestrian are seen through a residential window. Even before the drug-war violence, most homes in the city were protected with wrought iron bars on doors and windows. Alfredo Sosa/Staff

The Zocalo, or main square, is lined with an 18th century cathedral, a few government buildings, and some cafes. It's a popular spot for an evening stroll to the sound of musicians – but over a period of 22 months, increasing violence kept any citizens home at night. The Mexican Navy took over the streets in September, and the square is returning to normal. Alfredo Sosa/Staff

A mother feels safe enough now to walk her son to a bodega for an after-school snack. Alfredo Sosa/Staff

A carpentry shop is open to the streets, which many people consider safer today with Navy patrols than this summer, at the height of the violence in Veracruz. Alfredo Sosa/Staff

Veracruz state police patrol the city streets. Alfredo Sosa/Staff

A pair of uniformed high school students happily stroll a sunny Veracruz street. Alfredo Sosa/Staff

Veracruz is Mexico’s oldest and largest port. While drug trade has always passed through here, it did not turn violent until the Calderón administration's aggressive strategy splintered cartels. The Mexican Navy was brought in to keep a close eye on the busy port. Alfredo Sosa/Staff

The atmosphere had lost some of its fear on Nov. 18, when dancers paraded on the streets of the city center in a pre-Carnival warm up. Alfredo Sosa/Staff

Homes in the upper class neighborhood of Boca de Oro feature manicured lawns and wide streets. But the upper-classes are still wary: business association Coparmex, reportes at least 39 cases of extortion and four kidnappings since January among its members. Alfredo Sosa/Staff

Markets are an essential part of Mexican life. The Mercado Unidad Veracruzana buzzes with activity. From dried chiles and spices to fresh produce and seafood, vendors display their goods at the city-center market. Alfredo Sosa/Staff

With the military presence, people are starting to venture outdoors in the evenings, Shops and restaurants open until late in the center of Veracruz. Alfredo Sosa/Staff

With the rise of violence, many moved their focus of activity indoors – leaving an eerie feeling of desolation such as this entrance to a middle class home, empty of all but a broken chair.Alfredo Sosa/Staff

Wrought iron bars from a staircase cast a shadow on a Sacred Heart photo at a home in Veracruz. Alfredo Sosa/Staff

Customers leave a restaurant in Veracruz after dining. Alfredo Sosa/Staff